Helix - external amp - headphones

[STPLE]

Can you get a good feel for tone - tone creation - with the headphone jack on helix - while using an external amp head (DT25 for example) and load box?? I would use the tone without cab and run it into the PA. I don't have Helix yet - trying to decide to take the plunge. Thanks!

[mkornell]

Not entirely sure what you're asking? You're thinking of using the headphone out jack to go into a DT25? Why not use the 1/4" out (or outs if you want stereo) instead?

 

Will a DT25 sound exactly like a PA? Best case is "pretty close". Depends on how closely the response characteristics of the DT25 match the PA. But with some judicious EQ you can probably get it close enough that only you could tell the difference.

 

FWIW, I do all my tone creation and practice using good headphones. I play live with 3 different groups, each with a different PA and monitor setup. And every venue is different, too. Does each audience hear exactly the same tone I hear in my cans? Not likely. But when I've wandered out in front of the mains during sound checks (wireless rocks!) it sounds pretty close if the sound guy is doing his job.

[amsdenj]

Did a gig last night and use the XLR outputs to the PA and the headphone output to my stage amp. The stage amp is a Hafler Transnova P3000 stereo power amp going into a ported Fender Tremolux cabinet with two Eminence 10" coaxial speakers for FRFR. The reason I did this is so I have separate controls on the Helix for what I'm sending to the PA and what I send to the Hafler. This worked great. One TRS cable from the Helix headphone output into cable splitter at the Hafler provides a simple, stereo, convenient and useful setup. Guitar tone was great using a Strat, Les Paul or Variax Standard.

[STPLE]

The reason for the question is I have trouble working on tones with family/kids in the house due to volume. With the Helix going out to amp (load box) and back for cab sims/IR then out to the board seems to be a really good fit for me. Sounds like the the phones (in my ears) would be a much closer representation of what the PA would get then the PODHD and DT. We have in ears monitors and PA - I know it won't be the same but easier for me to get close at home. B/c of stage volume I don't mic a cab - I've always come straight out of the DT line out. Make sense??

Thanks guys.

[mkornell]

Yeah, makes sense. But I will suggest that you try building tones on the Helix without using the DT25. The Helix does a really good job with its amp modelling and chances are you can dial in something really good without using external gear. Thus, less gear to haul around.

 

And if you are set on having the DT25 in the loop, I'd suggest placing it as one of the effect loops on the Helix. That way you can bring the DT25 tone in when you want to use it (as a send/return in place of using one of the Helix's amp models) but also be able to create tones that don't use it. And you also have more flexibility in where you use it in the signal chain.

 

Once you've dialed in tones using good headphones, take a listen through your IEM. Unless you've sprung for really top-end IEMs, there will be a noticeable loss in fidelity. If the tone still sounds decent through the IEM, it will sound good in the PA.

[STPLE]

I don't own the Helix so this is all pre-purchase at this point.  I'll try the Helix direct.  I'm sure that will be awesome.  I envision using the DT25 power section (disabiling the mics, models, reverbs, etc. on the DT) with the tubes.  Seems like a good idea to have an amp that changes topologies and Class A or AB depending on the modeled amp.  Obviously, time would tell if that is worth the extra effort.  I'd hate to not use the DT - that amp sounds and feels really really good.  I love that amp - but as you know - always trying to get better!

[roscoe5]

Thanks for posting this. Great idea to give us easy on the fly stage and FOH control if it works.